GROUP THERAPY

Walk and Talk

A Women's Wellness Group Outdoors!

This program is for women navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, or life transitions. Led by Deb Berkey, LCSW, of Hendricks Therapy in Plainfield, IN. The one-hour meetings are on Mondays at 5:30 pm. Each session will begin with a 15-minute talk on the connection between mental and physical health, followed by a 45-minute Walk & Talk session. Cost: $30/session

Discover the "Why" (The Science of Movement): This isn’t just a walk; it’s a science-backed approach to healing the mind. Optimize the Gut-Brain Axis: Explore the powerful "Food and Mood" connection. Boost Your Brain Power (Neuroplasticity): Learn how movement helps your brain grow, adapt, and heal from stress. Practice unique movements and cognitive challenges: Designed to sharpen your focus and improve coordination. Learn tools for self-compassion and mental resilience.

Open to women (18+) seeking mental health support.

When: The meetings are on Mondays from 5:30-6:30 pm, from September 14th to October 26th.

Each session will begin with a 15-minute talk on topics related to the science of the mind-body connection, the brain-gut axis, and more, followed by a 45-minute Walk & Talk session. Cost: $30/session. Walk locations to be announced.

Where: The first meeting will be at 6291 Cambridge Way, Plainfield, IN (Conference Room). Other walking locations in Plainfield will be discussed at the first meeting.

To Register: email group@hendrickstherapy.com or call/text (317) 718-8436.

Spaces are limited. Small, confidential group (Limit 10 participants).

Unlocking the Mind-Body Connection: Why Mental Wellness is Physical Health

For decades, modern medicine treated the mind and the body as entirely separate entities, but contemporary research reveals that they are deeply and inextricably linked. Understanding how your psychological state directly influences your physical well-being is more than just an interesting concept—it is a vital tool for lifelong vitality. When we experience chronic stress, anxiety, or depression, our brains trigger biochemical responses that flood the body with cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, failing to recognize and manage these mental burdens can take a severe toll, accelerating inflammation, weakening immune response, and placing continuous strain on cardiovascular pathways.

The statistics highlighting this intersection are both staggering and eye-opening. According to recent public health data, nearly one in three people living with a long-term physical health condition also struggles with a mental health issue like depression or anxiety. Furthermore, studies demonstrate that individuals facing severe, untreated mental health challenges experience a shortened life expectancy, living 10 to 25 years less on average than those without. This stark disparity isn't just about biology; it also stems from the behavioral toll of poor mental health, which can sap motivation, disrupt sleep patterns, and lead individuals to neglect routine medical check-ups or healthy lifestyle habits.

Recognizing the profound impact of your mental health on your physical self opens the door to truly holistic healing and preventative care. When you learn to identify mental fatigue or emotional distress as physical risk factors, you can take proactive steps—such as incorporating regular exercise, seeking counseling, and improving your sleep hygiene—that benefit your entire body. By treating your mental wellness with the same urgency as your physical fitness, you build a powerful buffer against chronic illness, ensuring that both your mind and body stay resilient for years to come.